A public hearing has been scheduled to permit all interested persons the opportunity to present statements, arguments, either orally or in writing, with respect to the subject noted above. The hearing will be held at the following time and place:

Camera usage will be allowed in only one area of the hearing room. To provide everyone a chance to speak, public testimony will be limited to 10 minutes per speaker and should be specific to the proposed regulations. Testimony exceeding 10 minutes may be submitted in writing.

The division's contact person must receive all written comments concerning the proposed modifications to the regulations no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 4, 2013. Written comments may be submitted by facsimile transmission (FAX), addressed to the contact person at (510) 286-0687. Written comments may also be sent electronically (via e-mail), using the following e-mail address: dwcrules@hq.dir.ca.gov.

The proposed Qualified Medical Evaluator Regulations and Permanent Disability Rating Determination emergency regulation will be submitted to OAL on December 20, 2012, so that the regulations will be in place to be in compliance with changes mandated by Senate Bill 863. The regulations will not become effective until filing with the Secretary of State after approval by the Office of Administrative Law (OAL). OAL has up to 10 days to consider the regulation, but may approve it before the 10 days have elapsed. Upon approval and filing with the Secretary of State, the regulation is effective for 180 days while the division conducts a formal rulemaking to adopt the regulation. For information on the OAL procedure, and to learn how you may comment on the emergency regulation, go the OAL's website at: http://www.oal.ca.gov/